Media infeed metal detection

ABSTRACT

Baseline values for metal detection readings associated with an item inserted into an infeed mouth of a depository are obtained before the item is pinched on a pathway of the depository. The baseline values are adjusted by additional readings obtained when the item is pinched on the pathway for transport. The adjusted baseline values are processed with calculated values from ongoing and fluctuating current readings to determine at least one final value. A determination is made as to whether the item includes at least some metal based on comparison of the at least one final value and a predefined value.

BACKGROUND

Media handing devices that process media documents and bunches of mediadocuments after separating the media documents for individual processingdownstream within the media handling devices. Media handing devicesinclude a variety of integrated components.

As the media document is processed through the media handling device, avariety of sensors are activated and deactivated to track movement ofthe media document and indicate where the media document is locatedalong the transport pathway. These sensors include image sensors fortaking different image characteristics of the media document and othersensors for other purposes.

One such other sensor, is a metal detection sensor located in an infeedmodule of the media handling device. This sensor is configured to detectmetal that may have inadvertently been included within a bunch of mediadocuments inserted through the infeed mouth of the media handlingdevice. Metal (e.g., coins, paperclips, staples, wires, etc.), which ispresent in a bunch of media documents, can be very problematic for othercomponentry of the media handling device, causing such componentry to:malfunction, jam, suspend a current transaction, and place the mediahandling device in a condition where it is unusable until serviced by atechnician (offline).

Existing metal detection processing is too sensitive to noise conditionsthat do not indicate the presence of metal in the bunch of mediadocuments, but rather, incorrectly detects existing variances for metalcomprised in the existing componentry of the media handling device asbeing metal. When noise is improperly identified as metal, an existingtransaction may be suspended and support staff needs to physicallyattend to the media handling device to bring it back online for service.

Moreover, existing metal detection processing often misses small piecesof metal embedded between documents in a bunch. This too is problematicbecause the undetected metal can jam and even permanently damagedownstream componentry; thereby, necessitating replacement parts andcreating an unreasonable period of time during which the media handlingdevice is unavailable for customer use.

Therefore, there is a need for improved accuracy for metal detection atthe infeed portion of media handling devices.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, methods and an infeed module of a valuable mediadepository are provided for metal detection processing.

According to an embodiment, a method for metal detection processingwithin an infeed module of a valuable media depository is presented.Specifically, and in one embodiment, pre-pinch metal detection readingsare obtained when an item is inserted into an infeed mouth of adepository. The pre-pinch metal detection readings are adjusted when theitem is pinched within the depository to establish adjusted baselinereadings. Metal detection values are calculated based on the adjustedbaseline readings and variations in ongoing metal detection readings.Finally, a determination is made as to whether at least some metal isassociated with the item based on comparison of the metal detectionvalues to at least one predefined value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram depicting a deposit module of a Self-ServiceTerminal (SST) having an infeed module, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 1B is a diagram depicting processing within an infeed module formetal detection, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a method metal detection, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of another method for metal detection, according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an infeed module within a valuable mediadepository, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a diagram depicting a one-sided view of a valuable mediadepository 100, according to an example embodiment (also referred to asa deposit module). It is to be noted that the valuable media depositoryis shown with only those components relevant to understanding what hasbeen added and modified to a conventional depository for purposes ofproviding metal detection processing within an infeed module 101Aintegrated within the depository 100.

The depository 100 is suitable for use within an Automated TellerMachine (ATM), which can be utilized to process deposited banknotes andchecks (valuable media as a mixed bunch if desired). The deposit module100 has an access mouth 101 (media or document infeed) through whichincoming checks and/or banknotes are deposited or outgoing checks and/orbanknotes are dispensed. This mouth 101 is aligned with an infeedaperture in the fascia of the ATM in which the depository 100 islocated, which thus provides an input/output slot to the customer. Anovel infeed module 101A (described in greater detail in the FIGS. 1Band 2-4 herein and below) accepts or rejects (dispenses back) a bunch ofreceived items (valuable media). Thus, a bunch (stack) of one or moreitems (valuable media) is input or output. Accepted incoming checksand/or banknotes follow a first transport path 102 away from the mouth101 and infeed module 101A in a substantially horizontal direction fromright to left shown in the FIG. 1A. They then pass through a novelseparator module 103 and from the separator 103 to a deskew module 104along another pathway portion 105, which is also substantiallyhorizontal and right to left. The items are now de-skewed and alignedfor reading by imaging cameras 106 and a Magnetic Ink CharacterRecognition (MICR) reader 107.

Items are then directed substantially vertically downwards to a pointbetween two nip rollers 108. These nip rollers cooperate and are rotatedin opposite directions with respect to each other to either drawdeposited checks and/or banknotes inwards (and urge those checks and/orbanknotes towards the right hand side in the FIG. 1A), or during anothermode of operation, the rollers can be rotated in an opposite fashion todirect processed checks and/or banknotes downwards in the directionshown by arrow A in the FIG. 1A into a check or banknote bin 110.Incoming checks and/or banknotes, which are moved by the nip rollers 108towards the right, enter a diverter mechanism 120. The divertermechanism 120 can either divert the incoming checks and/or banknotesupwards (in the FIG. 1A) into a re-buncher unit 125, or downwards in thedirection of arrow B in the FIG. 1A into a cash bin 130, or to the righthand side shown in the FIG. 1A into an escrow 140. Items of media fromthe escrow 140 can selectively be removed from the drum and re-processedafter temporary storage. This results in items of media moving from theescrow 140 towards the left hand side of the FIG. 1A where again theywill enter the diverter mechanism 120. The diverter mechanism 120 can beutilized to allow the transported checks (a type of valuablemedia/document) and/or banknotes (another type of valuablemedia/document) to move substantially unimpeded towards the left handside and thus the nip rollers 108 or upwards towards the re-buncher 125.Currency notes from the escrow can be directed to the re-buncher 125 ordownwards into the banknote bin 130.

As used herein, the phrase “valuable media” refers to media of value,such as currency, coupons, checks, negotiable instruments, valuetickets, and the like.

For purposes of the discussions that follow with respect to the FIGS. 1Aand 2-3, “valuable media” is referred to as currency (currency noteand/or check) and the “valuable media depository” is referred to as a“depository.” Additionally, valuable media may be referred to as a“document” and/or “media document” herein.

FIG. 1B is a diagram depicting processing within an infeed module 101Afor metal detection, according to an example embodiment.

The infeed module is interface to or receives readings of values from ametal detection integrated circuit board having a metal sensor.Typically, these sensor includes a coil that is connected to a driverboard and conducts a signal in response to the presence of metal inproximity to the coil (induction and/or resistance). These sensors areknown in the industry and provide a variety of known data, such asLDC1101® high-speed high-resolution inductance-to-digital convertermetal sensor circuitry distributed by Texas Instruments®. Thesensor-coil boards are integrated into the depository's infeed modulecircuit board. Moreover, many in the industry integrated their ownproprietary sensor-coil boards into their infeed module circuit boards.

These sensor-circuit boards provide raw L data (inductance data) and RPdata (resistance data) readings in the presence of metal based on theproximity of any metal to the sensors (coils). The values and ranges ofvalues for the raw L data and the RP data are known in the industry.Moreover, the digitally converted readings are provided in a knownformat (such as in specific bits or byte ranges). The integratedcontroller associated with the infeed module is typically programmed tocontrol the infeed electromechanical components based on the raw L andRP values provided in the known digital formats from the metal sensorcircuit boards. For example, a known reading may cause the infeedintegrated controller to reject a bunch of media items provided throughthe infeed mouth causing the electromechanical componentry of the infeedmodule to reverse the bunch and eject the bunch out the infeed mouth.

The detailed processing reflected in the FIG. 1B is programmed in thefirmware/software of an infeed module or in an external controller thatcontrols the infeed electromechanical components. The processing relieson raw L and RP readings communicated from a single metal sensor circuitboard or a plurality of metal sensor circuit boards.

It is noted that the metal sensors can be very sensitive instruments,such that noise can be detected as raw L and RP data that cause thecontroller of the infeed module 101A to believe that metal is present inthe infeed mount. This noise can be detected even when the depository100 is not actively been used for a deposit transaction, such as whensomething bumps into the depository 100. Temperatures for an externalenvironment in which the depository 100 is operated and internaltemperatures of the of the componentry of the depository 100 can alsogenerate noise. Other sources that can generate noise include steppermotors, or any other source of electromagnetic fields present within thedepository 100. Particularly, any stepper motor located within theinfeed module 101A or in close proximity to the metal sensor circuitboard can generate a decent amount of electromagnetic noise detected bythe metal sensor circuit board.

Combinations of raw L data and raw RP data can form digital signaturesfor the presence or non-presence of metal within the infeed module 101A.

In addition, the metal detection circuit continuously provides readingsfor the L and RP data. This data is available pre-pinch (before theinfeed module's paddle or clamps have pressed against a bunch ofdocuments) and post-pinch (after the infeed module's paddle or clampshave pressed against and secure the bunch for transport along thepathway 102.

The processing for detecting metal and distinguishing between legitimatemetal presence and false noise within the infeed module 101A is nowdiscussed with reference to the FIG. 1B. The processing is part of or asubcomponent of the infeed controller associated with controlling theinfeed electromechanical components. Therefore, the processing asdiscussed herein and below is referred to as the infeed controller(firmware/software).

A variety of parameter values are configurable and provided throughsettings to the infeed controller. Some of these parameter valuesinclude: pre-pinch L data negative metal threshold value, pre-pinch Ldata positive metal threshold, L data width filter, post-pinch L datanegative metal threshold, post-pitch L data negative metal threshold, RPdata width filter, pre-pinch RP threshold value (absolute value),post-pinch RP threshold (absolute value).

The L data values calculated by the infeed controller are identified inthe upper-right corner of the FIG. 1B and include calculations for: a Ldata baseline value (LB), a L data first difference value (LD1), a Ldata second difference value (LD2), a L data third difference value(LD3); and for non-coin based metal detection: a L data first Bdifference value (LD1B), a L data second B difference value (LD2B), anda L data difference third value (LD3B).

The upper-right corner of the FIG. 1B also identifies what is returnedfrom the infeed controller processing that drives other infeedprocessing by the infeed controller. This includes a peak value selectedfrom the calculated LD3, LD3B, and RPD3 (discussed below).

The upper-left corner of the FIG. 1B identifies RP data valuescalculated by the infeed controller, which includes: a RP data baselinevalue (RPB), a RP data first difference value (RPD1), a RP data seconddifference value (RPD2), and a RP data third difference value (RPD3).

The processing is comprised of two zones: a first zone for pre-pinch Ldata and RP data and a second zone for post-pinch L data and RP data.The processing is measuring how far the L data goes negative andpositive from the first zone to the second zone and the magnitude ofchange with respect to the L data width filter. Moreover, the processingis measuring absolute change (differential) that the RP changes for theRP width filter from the first zone to the second zone.

The processing assumes that something was detected as having entered theinfeed mouth 101, which initiates, at 150, the infeed controller tostart metal detection processing. The L data and RP data values areobtained from the metal detection sensor circuit, at 150. The infeedcontroller knows when the infeed paddle has pinched and not pinched onthe bunch of media items inserted through the infeed mouth 101;therefore, the L data and RP data are data obtained before the paddlehas pinched against the bunch 160 and 170. As the paddle is pinchedagainst the bunch the L data and RP data changes as a result of movementin the paddle and accounted for at 161 and 171. That is, the variationin the pre-pinch L data and RP data from the pre-pinch to the post-pinchallows for the LB and RPB to be noted accurately at 162 and 172. Thisprocessing reduces the likelihood of noise created simply by the paddlemoving from a non-pinched position to a pinched position.

At 180, the infeed controller notes L data and RP data received from themetal detection circuit as the shutter of the infeed mouth 101 moves oris activated to being closing, post-pinch. That is, comparing against anewly determined baseline each time the shutter opens is how temperaturevariation is eliminated as a source of noise. So, the raw baseline levelis not as significant as the difference from the initial baseline.

The infeed controller three primary branches in processing (each ofwhich may be performed in parallel with one another) as identified inthe top-middle of the FIG. 1B as: (1) detection of coins based onnegative going (trending) L data; (2) detection of other metals (such aspaper clips) based on positive going (trending) L data; and (3)detection of other metals based on large variations in RP data. Eachbranch of processing is labeled in the FIG. 1B as (1) beginning at 187,(2) beginning at 184, and (3) beginning at 181. Again, the threebranches of processing can be performed in parallel and simultaneouslywith one another. In addition, some branches of processing can beexcluded, such that just a single branch is processed, or just twobranches are processed in parallel with one another. For example, a foildetection based approach configured in the infeed controller, the branch(3) may be excluded since foil is known to affect just RP data and notthe L data.

Beginning with the third branch (3), at 181, the RPD1 is calculated asthe absolute value of the difference between the current RP data lessthe RPB (|RP−RPB|. Next, at 182, the RPD2 is calculated as the greaterof the RPD1 value and the RP threshold metal value (passed parameter tothe infeed controller). The processing at 182 represents a thresholdfilter. Finally, at 183, the RPD3 is calculated as the greater of RPD2and RP data sampled width value (sampled or time based RP data and theRP data width filter for sampling provided as a parameter). The finalcalculated RPD3 indicates that metal is present when RPD3 is greaterthan zero; this determination is based on the determination with thisprocessing branch that there is a large or significant magnitude changesappearing in the raw RP data.

At the concurrent second branch (2), at 184, the LD1B is calculated asthe difference between the current L data less LB (LD1B−LB), here onlypositive values are kept. Next, at 185, the LD2B is calculated as thegreater of the LD1B and the post-pinch positive metal threshold (passedas a parameter to the infeed controller; this represents a thresholdfilter. Finally, at 186, the LD3B is calculated as the greater of theLD2B and L data sampled width value (sampled or time based L data widthfilter for sampling provided as a parameter). The final calculated LD3Bindicates that a non-coin but other type of metal, such as a paperclip,is present when the LD3B is greater than zero; this is based on thedetermination with this processing branch that there is a positive trend(going) appearing in the raw L data.

At another concurrent third branch (3), at 187, the LD1 is calculated asthe different between the LB less the current L data (LB-L), here onlypositive values are kept. Next, at 188, the LD2 is calculated as thegreater of the LD1 and the pre-pinch L negative threshold (passed as aparameter); this represents a threshold filter. Finally, at 189, the LD3is calculated as the greater of L data sampled width value (sample ortime based L data width filter for sampling provided as a parameter).The final calculated LD3 indicates that a coin or coin-type of metal ispresent when LD3 is greater than zero; this determination is based onthe determination with this processing branch that there is a negativetrend (going) appearing in the raw L data.

The calculated RPD3, LD3B, and LD3 is received at 190 and the maximumvalue of the three is returned to the higher level infeed controllerprocessing where additional processing may or may not be driven by theretuned value, such as ejecting the bunch of items, or allowing thebunch of items to proceed along the pathway 102 to other downstreamcomponents of the depository 100.

The processing continues until the shutter of the infeed 101 completelycloses (as indicated by other processing available to the infeedcontroller).

In an embodiment, the maximum value returned from the three calculatedvalues can be processed to identify the type of metal detected in theinfeed module 101A, such that should the bunch be unable to be ejected,a service technician can be appropriately prepared to deal with the typeof metal detected.

These and other embodiments are now discussed with reference to theFIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a method 200 metal detection, according to anexample embodiment. The method 200 when processed controls operation foran infeed module integrated into a valuable media depository. The method200 is implemented as executable instructions representing one or morefirmware/software modules referred to as an “infeed controller.” Theinstructions reside in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and areexecuted by one or more processors of the infeed module and/or valuablemedia depository.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is the depository 100 ofthe FIG. 1A.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a recycler module.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a peripheral deviceintegrated into a Self-Service Terminal (SST). In an embodiment, the SSTis an ATM. In an embodiment, the SST is a kiosk.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a peripheral deviceintegrated into a Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal operated by a clerk.

In an embodiment, the infeed controller is implemented within the infeedmodule 101A of the FIGS. 1A-1B.

In an embodiment, the infeed controller performs the processing depictedin the FIG. 1B.

In an embodiment, the infeed controller is executed as firmwareprogrammed instructions in memory of an infeed module or an integratedcontrol circuit of a media depository.

At 210, the infeed controller obtains pre-pinch metal detection readingswhen an item is inserted into an infeed mouth 101 of a valuable mediadepository 100. The item can be a single media document (check, note,etc.) or the item can be a bunch of media documents. The infeed modulecontinually obtaining resistance and inductance metal readings from ametal detection sensor/circuit situated in the depository 100 adjacentor proximate to the infeed mouth 101.

At 220, the infeed controller adjusts the pre-pinch metal detectionreadings when the item is pinched (post-pinch) by a pinching (orclamping) mechanism within the depository 100 for purposes ofestablishing adjusted baseline readings. The adjusted baseline readingsaccount for inductance and resistance values that are changed when thepinching mechanism is activated/moving and changes again when the itemis finally pinched along a track of pathway 102 within the depository100.

Thus, in an embodiment, at 221, the infeed controller establishes theadjusted baseline readings to account for variations that occur when thepinch mechanism is activated to pinch the item and variations once theitem is pinched by the pinching mechanism.

In an embodiment of 221 and at 222, the infeed controller establishesthe adjusted baseline readings to account for variations in the adjustedbaseline readings when a shutter associated with the infeed mouth 101when the shutter is attempting and begins to close after insertion ofthe item through the infeed mouth 101.

At 230, the infeed controller calculates metal detection values based onthe fully adjusted baseline values and variations (and trends) appearingin ongoing metal detection readings being obtained from the infeedcontroller from the metal detection sensor/circuit.

According to an embodiment, at 231, the infeed controller calculates themetal detection values as: 1) a magnitude in changes in resistancevalues presenting in the ongoing metal detection readings (theprocessing branch (3) in the FIG. 1B for non-coin metals having largevariations in RP data), 2) a positive value trend (going) in inductancevalues appearing in the ongoing metal detection values (the processingbranch (2) in the FIG. 1B for paperclip type metals and non-coin metalswith positive trending L data), and 3) a negative value trend (going) inthe inductance values appearing in the ongoing metal detection values(the processing branch (1) in the FIG. 1B for detecting coin-type metalswith negative trending L data).

In an embodiment of 231 and at 232, the infeed controller applies awidth sampling or time-based filter against the ongoing metal detectionreadings when determining the magnitude in the changes for theresistance values provided in the ongoing metal detection readings.

In an embodiment of 231 and at 233, the infeed controller applies awidth sampling or time-based filter against the ongoing metal detectionreadings when determining both the negative and positive trends in theinductance values provided in the ongoing metal detection readings.

In an embodiment, at 233, the infeed controller processes at least somepreconfigured values with the adjusted baseline readings whencalculation the metal detection values. A sample of these predefined orparameter-based values were provided above with the description of theFIG. 1B.

In an embodiment, the predefined values (thresholds) that are associatedwith the resistance values are doubled. This is done to improve theranges provided in the thresholds for resistance-based values (RP data).

At 240, the infeed controller determines whether at least some metal isassociated with the item based on comparison of the metal detectionvalues to at least one predefined value. In an embodiment, thepredefined value is 0 (as presented in the FIG. 1B).

In an embodiment, at 241, the infeed controller selects a maximum valuefrom the metal detection values and compares that maximum value againstthe at least one predefined value. This is selection of the maximumvalue from the results of the three branches of processing discussed inthe FIG. 1B and the processing identified at 190.

According to an embodiment, at 250, the infeed controller provides aresult based on the processing of 240 for driving components of aninfeed module 101A and for urging the item into the depository 100 orfor ejection the item out of the depository 100 through the infeed mouth101.

In an embodiment of 250 and at 251, the infeed controller provides theresult to a controller associated with the depository 100 to report atype of metal detected when the processing at 240 indicates that atleast some metal is present and associated with the item.

In an embodiment of 251 and at 252, the infeed controller identifies bythe result that the type of metal is one of: a coin, a paperclip, astaple, and/or a non-coin type of metal.

In an embodiment, the infeed controller provides pre-pinch andpost-pinch calculated values in a priority order with the result. Thepre-pinch values include negative L data, positive L data, and RP dataall pre-pinch. The post-pinch data includes the negative L data,positive L data, and the RP data all post-pinch. The priority order isbased on a highest to lowest value with highest being most likely to bedetection of metal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of another method 300 for metal detection, accordingto an example embodiment. The method 300 when processed controlsoperation for an infeed module integrated into a valuable mediadepository. The method 200 is implemented as executable instructionsrepresenting one or more firmware/software modules referred to as an“metal detector.” The instructions reside in a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium and are executed by one or more processors ofthe valuable media depository.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is the depository 100 ofthe FIGS. 1A-1B.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a recycler module.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a peripheral deviceintegrated into a Self-Service Terminal (SST). In an embodiment, the SSTis an ATM. In an embodiment, the SST is a kiosk.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a peripheral deviceintegrated into a Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal operated by a clerk.

In an embodiment, the metal detector is executed as firmware programmedinstructions in memory of an infeed module and/or an integrated circuitof a valuable media depository.

In an embodiment, the metal detector performs, inter alia, theprocessing discussed above with the FIGS. 1B and 2.

At 310, the metal detector establishes baseline metal detection valuesduring a first processing stage or zone (processing 150-172 of the FIG.1B) and before a pinching mechanism is activated in response to at leastone media item being detected at an infeed mouth 101 of a depository100. The baseline metal detection values also accounting for movementand pinch of the item within the depository 100.

According to an embodiment, at 311, the metal detector further adjuststhe baseline metal detection values in response to activation andmovement of the shutter for the infeed mouth 101 that may begin to closebehind the item.

At 320, the metal detector performs concurrent processing during asecond stage of zone (processing 181-189 (post-pinch of item) anddescribed more completely in the FIG. 1B) after the pinching mechanismis activated and has pinched the at least one media item to a track of apathway 102 within the depository. The concurrent processing performedby the metal detector includes all, one, or some combination that isless than all of the processing 321-323 (described below) and includesusage of the adjusted baseline metal detection readings.

At 321, the metal detector calculates a first value designed torepresent a magnitude of changes occurring in resistance values obtainedfrom a metal detection sensor/circuit. This is the processing 181-183 ofthe FIG. 1B.

In an embodiment of 321 and at 321A, the metal detector applies aresistance value width filter (data sampled or time sampled) whencalculating the first value.

At 322, the metal detector derives a second value represent a positivetrend (going) occurring in inductance values obtained from the metaldetection sensor/circuit. This is the processing 184-186 of the FIG. 1B.

In an embodiment of 322 and at 322A, the metal detector applies aninductance value width filter (data sampled or time sampled) whencalculating the second value.

At 323, the metal detector resolves a third value representing anegative trend (going) in the inductance values obtained from the metaldetection sensor/circuit. This is the processing 187-189 of the FIG. 1B.

In an embodiment of 323 and at 323A, the metal detector applies aninductance value width filter (data sampled or time sampled) whencalculating the second value.

When the concurrent processing finishes, the first, second, and thirdvalues are known and fed to 330, where the metal detector selects amaximum value from the first, second, and third values.

At 340, the metal detector reports the maximum value for furtherprocessing of the at least one item within the depository 100. Theprocessing 330 and 340 represent the processing 190 of the FIG. 1B.

According to an embodiment of 340 and at 341, the metal detector causesejection of the at least one media item out of the infeed mouth 101 inresponse to a maximum value indicating that metal is present or believedto be present with the at least one media item. In the FIG. 1B, thiswould be where the maximum value is greater than 0 where 0 or lessindicates that metal is unlikely to be present with the at least onemedia item, such that in this scenario the metal detector would causethe at least one media time to be urged further along the pathway 102for downstream processing by other components of the depository 100. Inanother case, when any metal is detected the metal detector causes allbelts within the depository to stop and the customer is given a chanceto pull the media item back out the infeed mouth 101 before any ejectionprocessing by reversing the belts is caused to be initiated by the metaldetector.

According to an embodiment, at 350, the metal detector providespre-pinch calculated values, the first, second, and third values alongwith the maximum value in a priority order. The priority is determinedbased on any value being identified as a potential metal. The pre-pinchvalues include the negative L value, the positive L value, and the RPvalue.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an infeed module 400 within a valuable mediadepository, according to an example embodiment. infeed module 400includes a variety of mechanical, electrical, and programmedsoftware/firmware components, some of which were discussed above withreference to the FIGS. 1A-1B and the FIGS. 2-3.

In an embodiment, the infeed module 400 is any of or some combination ofthe infeed modules discussed above with reference to the FIGS. 1A-1B and2-3.

The infeed module 400 includes one or more processors 401 and an infeedcontroller 402. The infeed controller 402 includes one or moreintegrated metal-sensor circuit boards.

The infeed controller 402 is configured to: i) execute on the processor401, ii) establish baseline metal detection readings before a pre-pinchmechanism is activated to pinch at least one media item presented at aninfeed mouth of a media depository against a track of a pathway for themedia depository, iii) calculate a maximum metal detection value basedon the baseline metal detection readings, preconfigured thresholdvalues, and ongoing variations in resistance and inductance valuesprovided by a metal detection sensor, and iv) determine based on themaximum metal detection value whether: a) to urge the at least one mediaitem along the pathway, b) stop transportation of the at least one mediaitem within the depository 100; or c) eject the at least one media itemback out the infeed mouth.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository that includes the infeedmodule 400 is one of: a SST an ATM, and a POS terminal.

In an embodiment, the infeed controller 402 performs any combination ofor all the processing discussed above with the FIGS. 1B and 2-3.

The above description is illustrative, and not restrictive. Many otherembodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe above description. The scope of embodiments should therefore bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing description of the embodiments, various features aregrouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting that the claimed embodiments have more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Description of the Embodiments, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate exemplary embodiment.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: obtaining pre-pinchmetal detection readings when an item is inserted into an infeed mouthof a depository; adjusting the pre-pinch metal detection readings whenthe item is pinched within the depository to establish adjusted baselinereadings; calculating metal detection values based on the adjustedbaseline readings and variations in ongoing metal detection readings;and determining whether at least some metal is associated with the itembased on comparison of the metal detection values to at least onepredefined value.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising, providinga result based on the determining for driving mechanical components ofan infeed module for urging the item into the depository or for ejectingthe item out of the depository through the infeed mouth.
 3. The methodof claim 2 further comprising providing the result to a controllerassociated with the depository to report a type of metal detected whenthe determining indicates that at least some metal is present.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein providing further includes identifying by theresult that the type of metal is one of: a coin, a paperclip, a staple,or a non-coin type of metal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein adjustingfurther includes establishing the adjusted baseline readings to accountfor variations in the adjusted baseline readings when a pinch mechanismis activated to pinch the item.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinadjusting further includes establishing the adjusted baseline readingsto account for variations in the adjusted baseline readings when ashutter associated with the infeed mouth is activated when attempting toclose after insertion of the item through the infeed mouth.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein calculating further includes calculating themetal detection values as: a magnitude in changes in resistance valuespresent in the ongoing metal detection readings, a positive value trendin inductance values present in the ongoing metal detection readings,and a negative value trend present in the inductance values present inthe ongoing metal detection readings.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereincalculating further applying a width sampling or time based filteragainst the ongoing metal detection readings when determining themagnitude in changes for the resistance values.
 9. The method of claim7, calculating further applying a width sampling or time based filteragainst the ongoing metal detection readings when determining thepositive and the negative value trends for the inductance values. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein calculating further includes processingat least some preconfigured values with the adjusted baseline readingswhen calculating the metal detection values.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein processing further includes doubling those preconfigured valuesassociated with metal detection resistance values.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining further includes selecting a maximum valuefrom the metal detection values and comparing the maximum value againstthe at least one predefined value.
 13. A method, comprising: (i)establishing baseline metal detection values during a first processingstage before a pinch mechanism is activated in response to at least onemedia item being detected at an infeed mouth of a depository; (ii)performing concurrent processing during a second processing stage afterthe pinch mechanism is activated to pinch the at least one item to atrack of a pathway within the depository, wherein the concurrentprocessing includes processing the baseline metal detection values withfurther processing for: (a) calculating a first value representing amagnitude of changes occurring in resistance values obtained from ametal detection sensor; (b) deriving a second value representing apositive trend occurring in inductance values obtain from the metaldetection sensor; and (c) resolving a third value representing anegative trend occurring in the inductance values obtained from themetal detection sensor; (iii) selecting as a maximum value, a maximum ofthe first value, the second value, and the third value; and (iv)reporting the maximum value for further processing of the at least onemedia item within the depository.
 14. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising, (v) providing pre-pinch values, the first value, the secondvalue, and the third value with the maximum value in a priority order.15. The method of claim 13, wherein (ii)(a) further includes applying aresistance value width filter when calculating the first value.
 16. Themethod of claim 13, wherein (ii)(b) further includes applying aninductance value width filter when calculating the second value.
 17. Themethod of claim 13, wherein (ii)(c) further applying an inductance valuewidth filter when calculating the third value.
 18. The method of claim13, wherein (iv) further includes ejecting the at least one media itemout the infeed mouth in response to the maximum value.